All three efficacy parameters improved significantly, and the parameters of glycaemic control remained stable for the study duration of 36 months. As compared to baseline, after 6 months and 18 months of therapy mean fasting glucose was reduced by 23.9 and 21.9 % (1.8 mmol and 2.0 mmol in absolute values). Mean postprandial glucose was reduced by 24.4 and 16.5 % (2.4 and 2.0 mmol in absolute values), and the mean HbA1c was decreased by 10.4 and 12.4 % (0.76 and 1.04% in absolute figures). Improvement was maintained after 18 months. Tolerability was excellent. No hypoglycaemic reactions occurred. No adverse effects or change in cardiac and liver function tests were observed. There was a tendency towards decreasing triglyceride and total cholesterol levels.